Nick McClain keeping family tradition at HCHS

Published 8:58 am Wednesday, December 19, 2018

JASPER, Fla. — For the McClain family, basketball is in the blood. 

If you’ve witnessed a Hamilton County High basketball game during the last 13 years, there has been at least one McClain on the court for the Trojans. 

This season it’s Nick McClain — a junior and the youngest of five brothers — that is keeping the family tradition alive. With a great feel for the game, McClain is Hamilton County’s leading scorer at 22 points per game. 

Learning to compete against his older brothers, which includes current Belmont University standout Kevin McClain, has helped shape Nick as basketball player. Even if it meant taking a little punishment.  

“Other than getting beat up by them, it was fun,” McClain joked about playing against his older brothers in the family pick-up games. 

But it’s a different story now. 

“Back then they told me to get off the court. I’d get my shot blocked. Now I’m the first or second one being picked.”

McClain had a strong 2017-18 season as a sophomore, averaging 13 ppg in his first full varsity season. This year he’s taken his game to another level.

He’s upped his scoring average by nine points and he already has a pair of 30-point games in his first six contests. McClain scored a career-high 34 points against Madison County on Dec. 14.  

“Last year I was more of a role player. This year I’m more of a go-to guy,” said McClain. “I’m just being more confident, more consistent.” 

The only thing that has slowed down McClain this year was an early injury.

He had two sit out two games when he pulled a tendon in the back of his hamstring. But he jumped right back into action against Maclay on Dec. 11, scoring 16 points in the Trojans’ 72-67 victory.

Besides all the basketball talent, there’s also the intangibles.   

“He’s a great kid,” HCHS coach Eugene Jones said of McClain. “He sets a standard on and off the court, coachable and a God-Fearing young man.”